Latch assembly for joining two conduits

ABSTRACT

A latch assembly for connection of conduit, the assembly comprising a female portion and a male portion, wherein each of the female portion and the male portion have a shell and a connection device. The connection device of the female portion includes a connection assembly with a molded-in slot, a release button, and a raised rib or alternatively is a connection opening. The connection device of the male portion includes a cantilevered region with a ramped engagement feature or alternatively is a raised cantilevered release button. When connected the cantilevered region or button deflects to accommodate the female portion until the ramped engagement feature or button engages the molded-in slot or connection opening, thus releasing the deflection. Depressing the release button disengages the latch allowing separation of the assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national stage of PCT/US2009/049731, filed 6 Jul.2009, and entitled “Latch Assembly for Joining Two Conduits.” Thisapplication also is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/167,833, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,235,426, filed 3 Jul. 2008, andentitled “Latch Assembly for Joining Two Conduits.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a coupling device. More particularly,the present invention relates to a coupling device for conduits. Evenmore particularly, the present invention relates to a releasablylatching coupling device for fluid conduits.

BACKGROUND

The use of conduits is well known for transporting fluids in the form ofliquids or gases to and from various locations. Conduits can also beused for transporting solids of various forms. It is also well knownthat splices are often necessary within a given length of conduit forextending the length of the conduit, providing for redirection of aconduit, providing connections to supply reservoirs or distributiondevices, or other known reasons.

In light of the many uses of conduits and the known need for splicingconduits, several devices exist for assisting the splicing of a conduit.For example, a garden hose splice involves a threaded male end and athreaded female end that may be used to splice more than one garden hosetogether. A similar connection may be used at the connection of the hoseto a water spout at one end and to a water distribution device such as asprinkler or nozzle at the other end. As an additional example, rubbertubing may often be spliced or connected to equipment through the use ofa hose barb.

In the medical industry, conduits are often used to transport fluids inthe form of liquids or gases from reservoirs to patients, fromreservoirs to equipment, between equipment, or otherwise. Also, splicesin these conduits are frequently connected, unconnected, and rearrangedas patients are transported, equipment is moved, and procedures areconducted. Existing threaded connections often require attention toassure the threads are aligned and can also be time consuming to screwtogether. Practitioners need to be efficient and sometimes need to actquickly in an emergency. Thus, these connections need to be made in asimple motion and in a timely fashion. Patient safety requires thatthese connections remain secure in an environment where the conduit maybe pulled on, tripped over, or otherwise treated so as to inadvertentlyundue a splice or a connection. Finally, patient safety also requiresthat the connection provides for uninterrupted flow of the transportedmaterial through the connection.

There is a need in the art for a conduit coupling device that canprovide for splicing or otherwise connecting a conduit in an efficient,secure, and effective manner.

BRIEF SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a connector assembly is provided for couplingtogether first and second fluid conduits. The assembly includes a firstconnector with a proximal end for coupling with the first fluid conduit,a distal end opposite the proximal end, a fluid pathway between theproximal and distal ends, and a housing extending about at least aportion of the fluid pathway. The housing of the first connectorincludes a slot and a cantilevered release button extending distally toa free end of the button from a fixed end of the button. The assemblyalso includes a second connector including a proximal end for couplingwith the second fluid conduit, a distal end opposite the proximal end, afluid pathway between the proximal and distal ends, and a housingextending about at least a portion of the fluid pathway. The housing ofthe second connector includes a cantilevered region extending proximallyto a free end of the cantilevered region from a fixed end of thecantilevered region with an engagement feature at its proximal end. Whenthe distal ends of the described first and second connectors are movedtowards each other in opposed fashion, the cantilevered region togetherwith the engagement feature pass underneath the slot to engage the slotand connect the first connector to the second connector.

In another embodiment, a connector assembly for coupling together firstand second fluid conduits is provided. The assembly includes a firstconnector including a proximal end for coupling with the first fluidconduit, a distal end opposite the proximal end, a fluid pathway betweenthe proximal and distal ends, and a housing extending about at least aportion of the fluid pathway. The housing of the first connectorincludes a cantilevered button extending proximally to a free end of thebutton from a fixed end of the button. The assembly also includes asecond connector including a proximal end for coupling with the secondfluid conduit, a distal end opposite the proximal end, a fluid pathwaybetween the proximal and distal ends, and a housing extending about atleast a portion of the fluid pathway. The housing of the secondconnector includes a connection opening. When the distal ends of thefirst and second connectors are moved towards each other in opposedfashion, the cantilevered button passes underneath the connectionopening to be received in the connection opening, engage the connectionopening, and connect the first connector to the second connector.

In another embodiment, a latch assembly for connection of conduit isprovided, including a female portion with a shell, a slot, and a releasebutton. The latch assembly also includes a male portion with a shell anda cantilevered region with an engagement feature. The cantileveredregion is adapted to deflect upon engagement with the female portion.The engagement feature is adapted to engage the slot thus releasing thedeflection of the cantilevered region. The release button is adapted todisengage the engagement feature from the slot when depressed allowingseparation of the female and male portions.

In a further embodiment, a latch assembly for connection of conduit isprovided, including a female portion with a shell and a connectionopening. The latch assembly also includes a male portion with a shelland a cantilevered release button. The cantilevered release button isadapted to deflect upon engagement with the female portion and furtherengage the connection opening releasing the deflection. The cantileveredrelease button is also adapted to disengage the connection opening whendepressed allowing separation of the female and male portions.

In yet another embodiment, a connector assembly for coupling togetherfirst and second fluid conduits is provided. The assembly includes afirst connector and a second connector. The first connector includes aproximal end for coupling with the first fluid conduit, a distal endopposite the proximal end, a fluid pathway between the proximal anddistal ends, and a housing extending about at least a portion of thefluid pathway. The housing includes a slot and a cantilevered releasebutton extending distally to a free end of the button from a fixed endof the button. The second connector includes a proximal end for couplingwith the second fluid conduit, a distal end opposite the proximal end, afluid pathway between the proximal and distal ends, and a housingextending about at least a portion of the fluid pathway. The housingincludes a cantilevered region extending distally to a free end of thecantilevered region from a fixed end of the cantilevered region with anengagement feature near the free end of the cantilevered region. Whenthe distal ends of the connectors are moved towards each other inopposed fashion, the cantilevered region passes underneath the slot toallow the engagement feature to engage the slot and connect the firstconnector to the second connector.

Additional variations and alternatives will become apparent to thosehaving ordinary skill in the art from review of the following detaileddescription. Such variations are included within the scope of thepresent invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a latch assembly according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 2 is a left view of a latch assembly according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 3 is a left section view of a latch assembly according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a latch assembly according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a female portion of a latch assemblyaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a left view of a female portion of a latch assembly accordingto certain embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a left section view of a female portion of a latch assemblyaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 8 is a top view of a female portion of a latch assembly accordingto certain embodiments.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a male portion of a latch assemblyaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a left view of a male portion of a latch assembly accordingto certain embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a left section view of a male portion of a latch assemblyaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a top view of a male portion of a latch assembly according tocertain embodiments.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a latch assembly according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 14 is a left view of a latch assembly according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 15 is a left section view of a latch assembly according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 16 is a top view of a latch assembly according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a female portion of a latch assemblyaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 18 is a left view of a female portion of a latch assembly accordingto certain embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a left section view of a female portion of a latch assemblyaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a top view of a female portion of a latch assembly accordingto certain embodiments.

FIG. 21 is an isometric view of a male portion of a latch assemblyaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a left view of a male portion of a latch assembly accordingto certain embodiments.

FIG. 23 is a left section view of a male portion of a latch assemblyaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 24 is a top view of a male portion of a latch assembly according tocertain embodiments.

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of a latch assembly according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 26 is a left view of a latch assembly according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 27 is a left section view of a latch assembly according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 28 is a top view of a latch assembly according to certainembodiments.

FIG. 29 is an isometric view of a female portion of a latch assemblyaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 30 is a left view of a female portion of a latch assembly accordingto certain embodiments.

FIG. 31 is a left section view of a female portion of a latch assemblyaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 32 is a top view of a female portion of a latch assembly accordingto certain embodiments.

FIG. 33 is an isometric view of a male portion of a latch assemblyaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 34 is a left view of a male portion of a latch assembly accordingto certain embodiments.

FIG. 35 is a left section view of a male portion of a latch assemblyaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 36 is a top view of a male portion of a latch assembly according tocertain embodiments.

FIG. 37 is an isometric view of a female portion of a latch assemblyaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 38 is a left view of a female portion of a latch assembly accordingto certain embodiments.

FIG. 39 is a left section view of a female portion of a latch assemblyaccording to certain embodiments.

FIG. 40 is a top view of a female portion of a latch assembly accordingto certain embodiments.

FIG. 41 is an isometric view of a latch assembly according to anadditional embodiment.

FIG. 42 is a top plan view of the latch assembly of FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 is a side elevation view of the latch assembly of FIG. 41.

FIG. 44 is a cross-section view of the latch assembly of FIG. 41 alongthe section indicated in FIG. 42.

FIG. 45 is an isometric view of a female portion of the latch assemblyof FIG. 41.

FIG. 46 is a top plan view of the female portion of the latch assemblyof FIG. 45.

FIG. 47 is a side elevation view of the female portion of the latchassembly of FIG. 45.

FIG. 48 is a cross-section view of the female portion of the latchassembly of FIG. 45 taken in the direction as shown in FIG. 46.

FIG. 49 is an isometric view of a male portion of the latch assembly ofFIG. 41.

FIG. 50 is a top plan view of the male portion of the latch assembly ofFIG. 49.

FIG. 51 is a side elevation view of the male portion of the latchassembly of FIG. 49.

FIG. 52 is a cross-section view of the male portion of the latchassembly of FIG. 49 taken in the direction shown in FIG. 50.

FIG. 53 is an isometric view of a further embodiment of a latchassembly.

FIG. 54 is a top plan view of the latch assembly of FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 is a side elevation view of the latch assembly of FIG. 53.

FIG. 56 is a cross-section view of the latch assembly of FIG. 53 takenin the direction shown in FIG. 54.

FIG. 57 is an isometric view of a female portion of the latch assemblyof FIG. 53.

FIG. 58 is a top plan view of the female portion of the latch assemblyof FIG. 57.

FIG. 59 is a side elevation view of the female portion of the latchassembly of FIG. 57.

FIG. 60 is a cross-section view of the female portion of the latchassembly of FIG. 57 taken in the direction shown in FIG. 58.

FIG. 61 is an isometric view of a male portion of the latch assembly ofFIG. 53.

FIG. 62 is a top plan view of the male portion of the latch assembly ofFIG. 61.

FIG. 63 is a side elevation view of the male portion of the latchassembly of FIG. 61.

FIG. 64 is a cross-section view of the male portion of the latchassembly of FIG. 61 taken in the direction as shown in FIG. 62.

FIG. 65 is a schematic, cross-section view of a fluid seal joint betweena male insert and a female receptor in an embodiment of a latchassembly.

FIG. 66 is an enlarged schematic, cross-section view of a portion of thefluid seal joint of FIG. 65.

FIG. 67 is a schematic, cross-section view of a fluid seal joint betweena male insert and a female receptor in an alternate embodiment of alatch assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The accompanying drawings, descriptive material and this descriptiondepict and describe embodiments of a latch assembly for joining twofluid conduits together. The conduits may be tubing for carrying gas orliquid to and from patients or equipment in the medical industry, butmay also be any type of conduit in any industry. The assembly mayinclude a male portion and a female portion which form a matingconnection. The male or female portion may be attached to an end of aconduit and used to connect to a male or female portion attached to theend of another conduit or device. The male and female portions mayprovide a latching connection that engages as the two portions areadvanced toward each other and may be released using a pressing motion.The connection between the male and female portions of the assembly maycreate an associated connection between the associated conduits ordevices. The assembly may provide for efficient, secure, and effectivecoupling of conduits.

With regard to fastening, mounting, attaching or connecting componentsof the present invention, unless specifically described otherwise, suchare intended to encompass conventional fasteners such as dowels, ties,bolts, screws, rivets, pins, and the like. Components may also beconnected by welding, fusing, pressing, or melting, if appropriate, andappropriate liquid and/or water tight seals or sealing devices may beused. Unless specifically otherwise disclosed or taught, materials formaking the present invention and/or components thereof may be selectedfrom appropriate materials such as plastics, metals, composite materialsand the like, and appropriate manufacturing or production methodsincluding those known to ones skilled in the art may be used.

The present invention may be more completely understood with referenceto the figures, which are described below.

FIGS. 1-4 show a latch assembly 100 according to certain embodiments. Inone embodiment, the latch assembly includes a female portion 120 and amale portion 140, which latch together forming a seam 170. Shown inphantom on FIG. 1 are two conduits 160 and 180 associated with thefemale portion 120 and male portion 140 respectively. The conduits showninclude a proximal end 161, 181 with a hose barb 162, 182. While in oneembodiment, hose barbs 162, 182 may be provided for joining the proximalends 161, 181 to polymer tubing, in other embodiments, the proximal ends161, 181 may be provided with other joining features, such as threads,flanges, couplings, clamps, etc.

Referring to FIG. 3, the conduits are again shown in phantom and eachhave a distal end 163, 183. The conduits are shown in matingrelationship where the distal end 163 associated with the female portion120 is a female distal end and the distal end 183 associated with themale portion 140 is a male distal end. Those skilled in the art willunderstand and appreciate that the distal end 163 could instead be amale distal end and the distal end 183 could instead be a female distalend.

The remaining disclosure relates to several embodiments of the latchassembly and does not discuss the conduit specifically. It is intendedthat each of the embodiments may include a conduit associated with themale portion of the latch assembly and a conduit associated with afemale portion of the latch assembly. The connection between the twoconduits, apart from the latch assembly connection, may be a male/femaleconnection as discussed above, a flanged connection or some other typeof abutting connection, or any type of conduit connection known in theart. In addition, a gasket or other sealing means known in the art maybe incorporated at the conduit connection to prevent leaking or otherescape of matter from the conduits at the connection.

The present disclosure is intended to include any type of conduitincluding, but not limited to, tubing, piping, ducting, or other canaltype devices for use in transporting matter.

It is further intended that the conduit may be connected to or otherwiserestrained by the associated portion of the latch assembly in some form.The relationship between the conduit and the latch assembly may be afixed connection, a sleeved connection, or any other connection known inthe art. Additionally, the conduit may be a molded portion of theassembly. Finally, features of the latch assembly may include devices orstructures associated with assisting the connection of the includedconduits. For example, opposing annular rings may be included on eachmale/female portion of the latch assembly for passing through of aflanged conduit, such that, when assembled, the opposing annular ringson each portion of the assembly would compress the respective flanges ofthe conduit together providing a sealing force. Other devices orstructures for assisting with the conduit connection and sealing knownin the art are also included.

FIGS. 5-8 show the female portion 120 of the embodiment shown in FIGS.1-4 in greater detail. In this embodiment, the female portion 120 of thelatch assembly 100 is shown to have a proximal end 121 and a distal end122. The female portion 120 is also shown to include a shell 125 and aconnection assembly 135.

In the present embodiment, the shell 125 of the female portion 120 has alongitudinal axis 123. The shell 125 is generally hollow with a varyingoblong shaped cross-section when viewed along the longitudinal axis 123.The cross-section varies from relatively narrow at its proximal end 121to relatively broad at its distal end 122. The shell 125 includes anexit opening/connection for a conduit at the proximal end 121. The shell125 further includes an abutment face 129 at the distal end 122, theabutment face 129 following the perimeter contour of the shell 125.Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that virtuallyany shaped cross-section may be used including, but not limited to,circular, square, and rectangular shapes.

In the present embodiment, the connection assembly 135 of the femaleportion 120, as best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, comprises a release button137, a molded-in slot 136, and a raised rib 138. It is noted that thefemale portion 120 includes two connection assemblies 135 located onopposing surfaces of the female portion 120. For purpose of description,only one of the connection assemblies 135 is described herein.

In this embodiment, the release button 137 comprises a section of theshell 125 and thus matches the contour of the shell 125, but isseparated from the shell 125 by a molded-in slot 136 and a raise rib138. The release button further has a proximal end 131 and a distal end132, where the proximal end 131 is near the proximal end 121 of thefemale portion 120 and the distal end 132 is near the distal end 122 ofthe female portion 120.

In this embodiment, the release button 137 is surrounded by themolded-in slot 136 on three sides and part of a fourth side. Regardingthe first three sides, two are generally parallel to the longitudinalaxis 123 and the third side is along the release button's distal end132. The fourth side, where the molded-in slot 136 only partiallysurrounds the release button 137, is along the release button's proximalend 131. The molded-in slot 136 creates a peninsula-like shaped releasebutton 137 in a cantilevered condition where the release button 137increases in width as it extends from the proximal end 131 to the distalend 132. The cantilevered condition allows the distal end 132 of therelease button 137 to flex into the interior space of the female portion120 when pressed on from the outer side.

In contrast to the molded-in slot 136, the raised rib 138 is shown tocompletely surround the release button 137. The raised rib 138 projectsoutwardly relative to the inner space of the female portion 120 and hasa side face 139 defining the outer perimeter of the molded-in slot 136.

FIGS. 9-12 show the male portion 140 of the embodiment shown in FIGS.1-4 in greater detail. The male portion 140 of the latch assembly 100 isshown to have a proximal end 141 and a distal end 142. The male portion140 is also shown to include a shell 145 and a connection assembly 155.

In the present embodiment, the shell 145 has a longitudinal axis 143.The shell 145 is generally hollow with a varying oblong shapedcross-section when viewed along the longitudinal axis 143. The outercontour of the shell 145 at its distal end matches the outer contour ofthe shell 125 at its distal end 122. This provides for a smooth surfacetransition between the female 120 and male 140 portions of the latchassembly 100. The cross-section of the shell 145 varies from relativelynarrow at its proximal end 141 to relatively broad at its distal end andincludes an opening/connection for a conduit at its proximal end 141.Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that virtuallyany shaped cross-section can be used including, but not limited tocircular, square, and rectangular shapes. Those skilled in the art willalso understand and appreciate that a smooth transition may not alwaysbe necessary or desired and thus the outer contour of the shell 125 andthe shell 145 would not need to match.

In the present embodiment, the connection assembly 155 of the maleportion 140 is situated at the distal end 142 of the male portion 140and is separated from the shell 145 by an abutment face 149. Theconnection assembly 155 comprises a necked-down section of the shell145. The outer contour of the connection assembly 155 substantiallymatches the inner contour of the shell 125 of the female portion 120 atits distal end 122. This provides for a mating relationship between thefemale portion 120 and the male portion 140 where the connectionassembly 155 extends within the shell 125.

In this embodiment, the connection assembly 155 further comprises acantilevered region 157, a molded-in slot 156, and a ramped engagementfeature 158. It is noted that the connection assembly 155 includes twocantilevered regions 157 located on opposing surfaces of the connectionassembly 155. For purposes of description, only one of the cantileveredregions 157 is described herein.

In the present embodiment, the cantilevered region 157 is a section ofthe connection assembly 155 and thus has the same contoured shape as theconnection assembly 155, but is separated from the connection assembly155 by a molded-in slot 156. The cantilevered region 157 has a proximalend 151 and a distal end 152, where the proximal end is nearer to theproximal end 141 of the male portion 140, but still remains within theconnection assembly 155. The distal end 152 is near the distal end 142of the male portion 140.

The molded-in slot 156 surrounds the cantilevered region 157 on threesides creating the cantilevered condition and causing the cantileveredregion 157 to have a peninsula-like shape, which is wider at its distalend 152 than at its proximal end 151. The molded-in slot 156 surroundsthe cantilevered region 157 along its proximal end 151 and along twosides generally oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 143.

At the proximal end 151 of the cantilevered region 157, a rampedengagement feature 158 is shown. As best shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, theramped engagement feature 158 slopes outwardly, relative to the innervolume of the male portion 140 as it extends toward the proximal end 151of the cantilevered region 157. Thus, when an object, resistant todeflection, slides along the surface of the cantilevered portion 157from its distal end 152 to its proximal end 151, the object willencounter the ramped engagement feature 158. As the object continues toslide along the cantilevered region 157, the object will interact withthe sloping surface of the ramped engagement feature 158 causing theproximal end 151 of the cantilevered region 157 to flex into the innervolume of the male portion 140.

As best shown in FIG. 11, a latching face 159 of the ramped engagementfeature 158 is provided and is defined as the vertical face beyond theend of the ramped portion of the ramped engagement feature 158. Thelatching face 159 is shown opposing the abutment face 149 and separatedfrom the abutment face 149 by a portion of the connection assembly 155and the molded-in slot 156. The ramped portion of the ramped engagementfeature 158 and the latching face 159 come together at a point or ridge158A.

In the present embodiment, the width of the ridge 158A, measuredperpendicular to the longitudinal axis 143, is shorter than the portionof the molded-in slot 136 along the distal end 132 of the release button137 of the female portion 120. This is so the ridge 158A of the rampedengagement feature 138 can penetrate the molded-in slot 136 when themale portion 140 and female portion 120 are connected, as will beexplained in more detail below.

Having described the female portion 120 and the male portion 140 ingreat detail, reference is again made to FIGS. 1-4 showing the latchassembly 100. The female portion 120 and the male portion 140 may beconnected together in mating relationship. When the two portions areconnected, the abutment face 129 of the female portion abuts against theabutment face 149 of the male portion creating a seam 170 and preventingthe two portions 120 and 140 from advancing any further toward oneanother.

Reference is now made particularly to FIG. 3 for describing in greaterdetail the latching nature of the connection between the female portion120 and the male portion 140. As the distal ends 122 and 142 of the twoportions 120 and 140 are brought together in opposing fashion, theconnection assembly 155 of the male portion 140 is inserted into thefemale portion 120. As this occurs, the inner surface of the shell 125passes along the surface of the connection assembly 155 and thus passesalong the surface of the cantilevered region 157 and eventuallyencounters the ramped engagement feature 158. As the two portions 120and 140 continue to be advanced toward each other, the interaction ofthe inner surface of the shell 125 with the ramped engagement feature158, causes the proximal end 151 of the cantilevered region 157 todeflect into the inner volume of the male portion 140. It is noted thatthe portion of the shell 125 between the molded-in slot 136 and thedistal end 122 is minimal providing only a narrow strip of material topress against the ramped engagement feature. However this strip isreinforced by the raised rib 138 and also can rely to a certain extendon the tensile hoop stresses developed in the shell as the two portionsare assembled. As the two portions continue to advance toward eachother, the cantilevered region 157 deflects sufficiently for the ridge158A of the ramped engagement feature 158 to clear the inner surface ofthe shell 125, thus allowing for complete advancement of the femaleportion 120 and male portion 140 toward one another and bringingabutment face 129 into contact with abutment face 149 preventing furtheradvancement. At the same time, the ramped engagement feature 158 passeswithin the volume defined by the shell 125 and encounters the molded-inslot 136. The ridge 158A of the ramped engagement feature 158 enters themolded-in slot 136 allowing the cantilevered region 157 to spring backinto its non-deflected position. As this occurs, the latching face 159of the ramped engagement feature 158 is brought into abuttingrelationship with the side face 139 of the raised rib 138 creating alatched condition in which the two portions 120 and 140 are releasablyconnected.

To release the female and male portions 120, 140 the release button 137may be pressed. In so doing, as can be seen in FIG. 3, the releasebutton 137 engages the ramped engagement feature 158 and the distal endsof both the release button 137 of the female portion 120 and thecantilevered region 157 of the male portion 140 deflect into the innervolume of their associated shells. When the release button is pressedwith sufficient force, the cantilevered region 157 deflects sufficientlythat the ramped engagement feature 158 clears the inner surface of theshell 125 allowing for separation of the two portions 120 and 140. It isnoted here that the sloping surface of the ramped engagement feature 158together with the downward force from the release button 137 creates aseparation force such that when the ramped engagement feature 158 clearsthe bottom surface of the shell 125, the two portions 120 and 140 arebiased toward separation and thus a separate tensile force may not berequired to separate the two portions 120 and 140.

FIGS. 13-16 show a latch assembly 200 according to certain embodiments.In one embodiment, the latch assembly includes a female portion 220 anda male portion 240, which latch together to form a seam 270. Conduits260 and 280 similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 are included, butare not shown for clarity.

FIGS. 17-20 show the female portion 220 of the embodiment shown in FIGS.13-16 in greater detail. The female portion 220 of the latch assembly200 is shown to have a proximal end 221 and a distal end 222. The femaleportion 220 is also shown to include a shell 225 and a connectionopening 235 with an associated raised rib 238.

In the present embodiment, the shell 225 of the female portion 220 has alongitudinal axis 223. The shell 225 is generally hollow with a varyingoblong shaped cross-section when viewed along the longitudinal axis 223.The cross-section varies from relatively narrow at its proximal end 221to relatively broad at its distal end 222. The shell includes anopening/connection for a conduit at its proximal end. The shell furtherincludes an abutment face 229 at the distal end 222, following theperimeter contour of the shell 225. Those skilled in the art willunderstand and appreciate that virtually any shaped cross-section can beused including, but not limited to, circular, square, and rectangularshapes.

In the present embodiment, the connection opening 235 of the femaleportion 220 is best shown in FIGS. 17 and 20 and is shaped to receive arelease button 257 of the male portion 240, described below. It is notedthat the present embodiment includes two connection openings 235 locatedon opposing surfaces of the female portion 220. For purpose ofdescription, only one of the connection openings 235 is describedherein. The connection opening 235 has a proximal end 231 and a distalend 232, where the proximal end 231 is near the proximal end 221 of thefemale portion 220 and the distal end 232 is near the distal end 222 ofthe female portion 220. The connection opening 235 is surrounded by araised rib 238 with a side face 239 defining the outer perimeter of theconnection opening 235. The connection opening is narrower at itsproximal end 231 than at its distal end 232 and is shaped with smoothcorners.

FIGS. 21-24 show the male portion 240 of the embodiment shown in FIGS.13-16 in greater detail. The male portion 240 of the latch assembly 200is shown to have a proximal end 241 and a distal end 242. The maleportion 240 is also shown to include a shell 245 and a connectionassembly 255.

In the present embodiment, the shell 245 has a longitudinal axis 243.The shell 245 is generally hollow with a varying oblong shapedcross-section when viewed along the longitudinal axis 243. The outercontour of the male shell 245 at its distal end matches the outercontour of the female shell 225 at its distal end 222. As with the latchassembly 100, this provides for a smooth surface transition between thefemale 220 and male 240 portions of the latch assembly 200. Thecross-section of the shell 245 varies from relatively narrow at itsproximal end 241 to relatively broad at its distal end 242. The shell245 includes an exit opening/connection for a conduit at the proximalend 241. Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate thatvirtually any shaped cross-section can be used including, but notlimited to circular, square, and rectangular shapes. Those skilled inthe art will also understand and appreciate that a smooth transition maynot always be necessary or desired and thus the outer contour of theshell 225 and the shell 245 would not need to match.

In the present embodiment, the connection assembly 255 of the maleportion 240 is situated at the distal end of the male portion 240 and isseparated from the shell 245 by an abutment face 249. The connectionassembly 255 comprises a necked-down section of the shell 245 such thatthe outer contour of the connection assembly 255 substantially matchesthe inner contour of the shell 225 of the female portion 220. Thisprovides for a mating relationship between the female portion 220 andthe male portion 240 where the connection assembly 255 extends withinthe shell 225.

In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-12, the connectionassembly 255 extends into the female portion 220 further than theconnection assembly 155 extends into the female portion 120. In thepresent embodiment, the connection assembly 255 extends substantially asfar as the proximal end 231 of the connection opening 235 of the femaleportion 220 when connected. The connection assembly 255 has a proximalend 251 and a distal end 252, where the proximal end 251 is adjacent theabutment face 249 and the distal end 252 extends to the distal end 242of the male portion 240.

The connection assembly 255 further comprises a release button 257supported near the distal end 252. It is noted that the connectionassembly 255 includes two release buttons 257 located on opposingsurfaces of the connection assembly 255. For purposes of description,only one of the release buttons 257 is described herein. The releasebutton 257 has a shape substantially matching that of the connectionopening 235 and a surface contour substantially matching that of theshell 225 of the female portion 220. Thus, the release button 257 israised above the necked-down surface of the connection assembly 255 soas to match the contour of the shell 225. The release button 257 extendsproximally from the distal end 252 of the connection assembly 255 and isseparated from the connection assembly 255 by a molded-in slot 256. Therelease button 257 has a proximal end 253 and a distal end 254, wherethe proximal end 253 is near the proximal end 251 of the connectionassembly 255 and the distal end 254 is near the distal end 252 of theconnection assembly 255.

In the present embodiment, the molded-in slot 256 surrounds the releasebutton 257 on three sides creating the cantilevered condition andcausing the release button 257 to have a peninsula-like shape matchingthat of the connection opening 235. The molded-in slot 256 surrounds therelease button 257 on the proximal end 253 and two sides generallyoriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 243.

As best shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the release button 257 slopesgradually outward, relative to the internal space defined by the shell245, as the button extends from its distal end 254 toward its proximalend 253. Thus, when an object resistant to deflection slides along thesurface of the release button 257 from its distal end 254 to itsproximal end 253, the object will cause the release button 257 to flexinto the inner volume of the male portion 240 due to its cantileveredcondition and slope.

As best shown in FIG. 23, a latching face 259 is provided and is definedas the generally vertical face along the proximal end 253 of the releasebutton 257. The latching face 259 is shown opposing the abutment face249 and separated from the abutment face 249 by a portion of theconnection assembly 255 and the molded-in slot 256.

Having described the female portion 220 and the male portion 240 ingreat detail, reference is again made to FIGS. 13-16 showing the latchassembly 200. The female portion 220 and the male portion 240 may beconnected together in mating relationship. When the two portions areconnected, the abutment face 229 of the female portion 220 abuts againstthe abutment face 249 of the male portion 240 creating a seam 270 andpreventing the two portions 220 and 240 from advancing any furthertowards one another.

Reference is now made to FIG. 15 for describing in greater detail thelatching nature of the connection between the female portion 220 and themale portion 240. As the distal ends 222 and 242 of the two portions 220and 240 are brought together in opposing fashion, the connectionassembly 255 of the male portion 240 is inserted into the female portion220. As this occurs, the inner surface of the shell 225 passes along thesurface of the release button 257 causing it to deflect into the innerportion of the male portion 240 and allowing the two portions 220 and240 to continue to advance towards each other until the abutment faces229 and 249 are in contact. As with latch assembly 100, the portion ofthe shell 225 between the connection opening 235 and the distal end 222is minimal providing only a narrow strip of material to press againstthe release button 257. However this strip is reinforced by the raisedrib 238 and also can rely to a certain extend on the tensile hoopstresses developed in the shell as the two portions are assembled. Asthe abutment faces 229 and 249 are brought into contact, the releasebutton 257 comes into alignment with the connection opening 235 allowingthe release button 257 to spring back into its non-deflected shape. Inso doing, the latching face 259 of release button 257 is brought intoabutting relationship with the side face 239 of the raise rib 238creating a latched condition in which the two portions 220 and 240 arereleasably connected.

To release the female and male portions 220, 240 the release button 257may be pressed. In so doing, as can be seen in FIG. 15, the releasebutton 257 deflects sufficiently that the latching face 259 is no longerin abutting relationship with the side face 239 of the raise rib 238thus allowing for separation of the two portions 220 and 240.

FIGS. 25-28 show yet another latch assembly 300 according to certainembodiments. The latch assembly 300 resembles latch assembly 100 incertain respects and also includes some distinct differences asdiscussed below.

The latch assembly 300 includes a female portion 320 and a male portion340, which latch together to form a seam 370. Conduits 360 and 380similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 are also included. Each conduit360 and 380 includes a respective set of proximal ends 361 and 381respectively having hose barbs 362 and 382. Each conduit 360 and 380also includes a respective distal end 363 and 383, which are configuredto mate in a male/female mating arrangement.

While in one embodiment, hose barbs 362, 382 may be provided for joiningthe proximal ends 361, 381 to polymer tubing, in other embodiments, theproximal ends 361, 381 may be provided with other joining features, suchas threads, flanges, couplings, clamps, etc.

FIGS. 29-32 show the female portion 320 of the present embodiment. Thefemale portion 320 has a proximal end 321, distal end 322, a shell 325,and a connection assembly 335. The shell 325 has a longitudinal axis 323and a hollow, varying, oblong shaped cross-section. The shell 325further includes an abutment face 329 at the distal end 322. Theconnection assemblies 335 of the female portion 320 comprise a releasebutton 337, a molded-in slot 336, and a raised rib 338. The releasebutton 337 comprises a section of the shell 325 following the contour ofthe shell 325 and is separated from the shell 325 by a molded-in slot336 and a raise rib 338. The release button further has a proximal end331 and a distal end 332. The release button 337 is surrounded by themolded-in slot 336 on three sides, two generally parallel to thelongitudinal axis 323 and a third side along the release button's distalend 332. The molded-in slot 336 causes the release button 337 to have apeninsula-like shape and creates a cantilevered condition where therelease button 337 is narrower at its proximal end 331 than at itsdistal end 332. This cantilevered condition allows the distal end 332 ofthe release button 337 to flex into the interior space of the femaleportion 320 when pressed on from the outer side. The raised rib 338,like raised rib 138 projects outwardly relative to the inner space ofthe female portion 320 and has a side face 339 defining the outerperimeter of the molded-in slot 336.

In contrast to latch assembly 100, the release button also includes araised surface 337A and a raised pattern 337B. Also, the raised rib 338is shown not to completely surround the release button 337 and onlyoccurs on three sides of the release button. Moreover, the molded-inslot 336 does not extend as far around the release button so as tosurround it on a fourth side, but is limited to three sides.

Additional elements shown in FIGS. 29-32 include alignment recesses 326,a molded-in slot divider 336A and molded-in slot receiving areas 336B.The alignment recesses 326 occur on the inner surface of the shell 325and work to ensure alignment of the ramped engagement features 358 priorto full engagement of the male 340 and female 320 portions. Themolded-in slot divider 336A is a projection proximally extending fromthe shell 325 partially across the molded-in slot 336. This projectionbreaks up the molded-in slot 336 creating molded-in slot receiving areas336B for the ramped engagement features 358 to engage.

FIGS. 33-36 show the male portion 340 of the present embodiment. Themale portion 340 has a proximal end 341, a distal end 342, a shell 345,and a connection assembly 355. The shell 345 has a longitudinal axis 343and has a hollow, varying, oblong shaped cross-section. The outercontour of the shell 345 at its distal end matches the outer contour ofthe shell 325 at its distal end 322. The connection assembly 355 issituated at the distal end 342 and is separated from the shell 345 by anabutment face 349. The connection assembly 355 comprises a necked-downsection of the shell 345. The outer contour of the connection assembly355 substantially matches the inner contour of the shell 325 of thefemale portion 320 at its distal end 322 providing for a matingrelationship. The connection assembly 355 further comprises acantilevered region 357 and a ramped engagement feature 358. In thepresent embodiment, the connection assembly 355 includes fourcantilevered regions 357. However, in other embodiments, there may agreater or lesser number of cantilevered regions 357. For purposes ofdescription, only one of the cantilevered regions 357 is describedherein.

The cantilevered region 357 is distinct from the cantilevered region 157of latch assembly 100 in several respects. First, the cantileveredregion 357 is further necked down from the connection assembly. Second,the cantilevered region 357 is fixed to the connection assembly 355 atthe cantilevered region's proximal end 351 rather than its distal end352. Third, the ramped engagement feature 358 is located at thecantilevered region's distal end 352 rather than its proximal end 351.However, the orientation of the ramped engagement feature 358 hasremained the same in that the surface of the ramped engagement feature358 slopes outwardly relative to the inner volume of the male portion340 as the surface extends from its distal end to its proximal end. Anadditional distinction of the latch assembly 300 from latch assembly 100is that the surface of the ramped engagement feature 358 is convex.

The male portion 340 also includes raised surface features 347 on theshell 345. In addition, the connection assembly 355 includes cutawayrecesses 356A on the inner surface which aid in minimizing the depth ofthe assembly while still accommodating the conduit. The connectionassembly 355 also includes slits 356B along the sides of the connectionassembly 355 separating two of the four cantilevered regions 357. Theseslits allow for easier deflection of the cantilevered region 357.Further to this idea of easier deflection of the cantilevered region357, FIG. 29 shows a more substantial strip of material remainingbetween the molded-in slot 336 and the distal end 322 of the femaleportion 320. This causes this strip to be stiffer than that shown, forexample, in FIG. 8 and adds to the ability of the device to causedeflection of the cantilevered region 357.

Also shown is a latching face 359 of the ramped engagement feature 358defined as the generally vertical face beyond the end of the rampedportion of the ramped engagement feature 358. The latching face 359 isshown opposing the abutment face 349 and separated from the abutmentface 349 by a length of the cantilevered region 357 and a portion of theconnection assembly 355. The ramped portion of the ramped engagementfeature 358 and the latching face 359 come together at a point or ridge358A. The ridge 358A is adapted to fit into the molded-in slot receivingareas 336B.

As with latch assemblies 100 and 200, the female portion 320 and themale portion 340 may be connected together in mating relationship. Asshown in FIGS. 25-28, when the two portions are connected, the abutmentface 329 of the female portion abuts against the abutment face 349 ofthe male portion creating a seam 370 and preventing the two portionsfrom advancing any further toward one another.

As the distal ends 322 and 342 of the two portions 320 and 340 arebrought together in opposing fashion, the ramped engagement features 358initially engage the alignment recesses 326. This initial contact aidsthe user in assuring that the two portions 320 and 340 are properlyaligned. As the two portions continue to advance, the sloping surface ofthe ramped engagement feature 358 causes the cantilevered regions 357 todeflect until the entire ramped engagement feature 358 passes within theinner surface of the shell 325. This allows for complete advancement ofthe female portion 320 and male portion 340 toward one another andbringing abutment face 329 into contact with abutment face 349,preventing further advancement. At the same time, the ramped engagementfeature 358 passes within the volume defined by the shell 325 and itencounters the molded-in slot receiving areas 336B. The ridge 358A ofthe ramped engagement feature 358 enters the molded-in slot receivingareas 336B allowing the cantilevered regions 357 to spring back intotheir non-deflected position. As this occurs, the latching face 359 ofthe ramped engagement feature 358 is brought into abutting relationshipwith the side face 339 of the raised rib 338 creating a latchedcondition in which the two portions 320 and 340 are releasablyconnected.

To release the female and male portions 320, 340 the release button 337may be pressed. In so doing, the release button 337 engages the rampedengagement feature 358 and both the release button 337 and thecantilevered region 357 deflect into the inner volume of theirassociated shells. When the release button 337 is pressed withsufficient force, the cantilevered region 357 deflects sufficiently thatthe ramped engagement feature 358 clears the inner surface of the shell325 allowing for separation of the two portions 320 and 340. As withlatch assembly 100, the sloping surface of the ramped engagement feature358 together with the downward force from the release button 337 createsa separation force such that when the ramped engagement feature 358clears the bottom surface of the shell 325, the two portions 320 and 340are biased toward separation and thus a separate tensile force may notbe required to separate the two portions 320 and 340.

FIGS. 37-40 show yet another embodiment of a female portion 420 of alatch assembly. The female portion 420 of the latch assembly shown inFIGS. 37-40 resembles the female portion 320 of latch assembly 300 inmost respects and a corresponding male portion 440 is not shown. Assuch, the female portion 420 will be described as interacting with maleportion 340.

As best shown in FIGS. 37 and 39, the inside surface of the releasebutton 437 includes two raised protuberances 437A. These raisedprotuberances may be positioned in a corresponding location to theramped engagement features 358 of the male portion 340. When releasingthe male and female portions 340 and 420, as with latch assembly 300 and100, the sloping surface of the ramped engagement feature 358 togetherwith the downward force from the release button 437 creates a separationforce such that when the ramped engagement feature 358 clears the bottomsurface of the shell 425, the two portions 420 and 340 are biased towardseparation. Thus a separate tensile force may not be required toseparate the two portions 420 and 340. In addition to that provided bylatch assemblies 100 and 300, however, the raised protuberances 437A ofthe female portion 420 further act to pinch the cantilevered regions 357together. This pinching force further acts on the ramped engagementfeather 358 to further bias the male portion 340 and female portion 420toward separation and further causing a spring-out motion between themale and female portions.

FIGS. 41-52 depict another alternative embodiment of a latch assembly500 for use in a fluid connection system. The latch assembly 500 iscomposed of a female portion 520 and a male portion 540 that connecttogether to easily join two fluid conduits and create a seal between thesame. The female portion 520 of the latch assembly 500 is primarilydefined by a housing or shell 525. A hose barb 562 extends from thedistal end of the female portion 520 in order to connect the femaleportion 520 to a fluid conduit (not shown). In a similar manner, themale portion 540 of the latch assembly 500 is primarily defined as ahousing or shell 545. Again, a hose barb 582 extends from the distal end581 of shell 545 to connect the male portion 540 to a fluid conduit.

An abutment face 529 at a connection end 563 of the female portion 520interfaces with an abutment face 549 at a connection end 583 of the maleportion 540 along a seam 570. The shell 525 of the female portion 520further defines two release buttons 537 on the top and bottom surfacesof the shell 525. The release buttons 537 are provided as a mechanism todisconnect the male portion 540 from the female portion 520 when it isso desired.

The female portion 520 of the latch assembly 500 is depicted in greaterdetail with respect to FIGS. 45-48. As previously mentioned, the femaleportion 520 has opposing release buttons 537 formed in the top andbottom surfaces of the shell 525. The release button 537 is defined by amolded-in slot 536 that extends around three sides of the release button537. The slot 536 is defined by two lateral, symmetrical slits in eachof the top and bottom surfaces of the shell 525. These lateral slits arejoined by a transverse slit that creates a side of the release button537 adjacent the connection end 563 of the female portion 520. Themolded-in slot 536 thus forms the release button 537 as a tab orcantilevered structure extending from an integral connection area towardthe distal end of 561 of the female portion toward the connection end563 of the female portion 520.

When a user depresses the release button 537, it bends along thestructural hinge 539 such that a front edge 544 of the release button537 extends downward into a cavity 550 of the female portion 520 formedby the shell 525. A raised rib 538 may be formed on the shell 525adjacent to and surrounding the slot 536 in order to provide a tactileindication of the location of the release button 537 and therebyfunction to discourage the accidental depression of the release button537 and disconnection of the female portion 520 from the male portion540.

The male portion 540 of the latch assembly 500 is depicted in greaterdetail in FIGS. 49-52. A pair of cantilevered lips 557 extend from anabutment face 549 of the shell 545 toward the connection end 583 of themale portion 540. The cantilevered lips 557 are separated by slits 556Aon the lateral sides of the male portion 540. The cantilevered lips 557are attached to the abutment face 549 by a pair of arms 554. The arms554 are defined by a molded-in slot 556 that forms a U-shape against theabutment face 549 and surrounding a tab 553. A ramp-engagement feature558 is formed on the cantilevered lips 557 adjacent the molded-in slot556 and centered across from the tab 553 between the arms 554. Theramp-engagement feature 558 has a sloped face facing the connection end583 that peaks at a ridge 558A. A latching face 559 is formed as avertical wall opposite the sloped face of the ramp-engagement feature558 and meets the sloped face to form the ridge 558A.

A male insert 585 in fluid connection with the hose barb 582 via aconduit 580 extends between the cantilevered lips 557 and beyond theirlength at the connection end 583 in order to interface with a femalereceptor 565 in the female portion 520.

FIGS. 41-44 detail the connection between the female portion 520 and themale portion 540 of the latch assembly 500 in order to create afluid-tight connection. When the male portion 540 is inserted into thecavity 550 of the female portion 520, the male insert 585 engages thefemale receptor 565 in the conduit 560 to create a fluid flow channelbetween the hose barb 562 on the female connector 520 and the hose barb582 on the male connector 540 via the conduits 560 and 580.

When the cantilevered lips 557 enter the cavity 550, they areprogressively depressed by the wall-forming catch portion 533 of theshell 525 of the female portion 520. As the cantilevered lips 557 arepushed within the cavity 550, the ramp-engagement features 558 interfacewith the abutment face 529 of the female portion 520 to further depressthe cantilevered lips 557 as the ramp-engagement features 558 enters thecavity 550. When the ramp-engagement features 558 reach the molded-inslots 536 forming the front edges 554 of the release buttons 537, thecantilevered lips 557 are released from tension caused by the interfacebetween the catch portions 533 and the ramp-engagement features 558.

The ramp-engagement features 558 extend upward or downward,respectively, to fit within the molded-in slots 536. The front edges 554of the release buttons 537 may be notched or recessed slightly in orderto provide additional room to accommodate the ramp-engagement features558. As the ramp-engagement feature 558 lifts up into the molded-in slot536, the latching face 559 engages with a length of the raised rib 538opposite the front edge 544 of the release button 537 to provide abearing surface preventing the male portion 540 from sliding out of thecavity 550.

The distance required for insertion of the male portion 540 into thefemale portion 520 of the latch assembly 500 in order to engage alatching assembly 535 is selected to ensure a sufficient sealing forceis created between the male insert 585 and the walls of the femalereceptor 565. The interface between the latching face 559 and the raisedrib 538 maintains the connection of the latching assembly 535 betweenthe male portion 540 and the female portion 520 in sufficient tension toensure that a sufficient sealing force is maintained between the maleinsert 585 and the female receptor 565.

In order to remove the male portion 540 from the female portion 520, auser may depress both release buttons 537 on the top and bottom of theconnection assembly 500 simultaneously. By depressing the releasebuttons 537, the front edges 544 of the release buttons 537 force thecantilevered lips 557 inward and thus push the ridges 558A below thebottom edges of the of the raised ribs 538. The latching faces 559 arethereby disengaged from the raised ribs 538 and the male portion 540 canbe removed from the female portion 520.

Another embodiment of a latch assembly 600 for connecting fluid conduitsis presented in FIGS. 53-64. The latch assembly 600 is composed of afemale portion 620 and a male portion 640 that connect together toeasily join two fluid conduits and create a seal between the same. Thefemale portion 620 of the latch assembly 600 is primarily defined by ahousing or shell 625. A hose barb 662 extends from the distal end of thefemale portion 620 in order to connect the female portion 620 to a fluidconduit (not shown). In a similar manner, the male portion 640 of thelatch assembly 600 is primarily defined as a housing or shell 645.Again, a hose barb 682 extends from the distal end 681 of shell 645 toconnect the male portion 640 to a fluid conduit.

An abutment face 629 at a connection end 663 of the female portion 620interfaces with an abutment face 649 at a connection end 583 of the maleportion 640 along a seam 670. The shell 625 of the female portion 620further defines two release buttons 637 on the top and bottom surfacesof the shell 625. The release buttons 537 are provided as a mechanism todisconnect the male portion 640 from the female portion 620 when it isso desired.

The female portion 620 of the latch assembly 600 is depicted in greaterdetail with respect to FIGS. 57-60. As previously mentioned, the femaleportion 620 has opposing release buttons 637 formed in the top andbottom surfaces of the shell 625. The release button 637 is defined by amolded-in slot 636 that extends around three sides of the release button637. The slot 636 is defined by two lateral, symmetrical slits in eachof the top and bottom surfaces of the shell 625. These lateral slits arejoined by a transverse slit that creates a side of the release button637 adjacent the connection end 663 of the female portion 620. Themolded-in slot 636 thus forms the release button 637 as a tab orcantilevered structure extending from an integral connection area towardthe distal end of 661 of the female portion toward the connection end663 of the female portion 620.

When a user depresses the release button 637, it bends along thestructural hinge 639 such that a front edge 644 of the release button637 extends downward into a cavity 650 of the female portion 620 formedby the shell 625. A raised rib 638 may be formed on the shell 625adjacent to and surrounding the slot 636 in order to provide a tactileindication of the location of the release button 637 and therebyfunction to discourage the accidental depression of the release button637 and disconnection of the female portion 620 from the male portion640.

The male portion 640 of the latch assembly 600 is depicted in greaterdetail in FIGS. 61-64. A pair of cantilevered lips 657 extend from anabutment face 649 of the shell 645 toward the connection end 683 of themale portion 640. The cantilevered lips 657 are separated by slits 656Aon the lateral sides of the male portion 640. The cantilevered lips 657are attached to the abutment face 649 by a pair of arms 654. The arms654 are defined by a molded-in slot 656 that forms a U-shape against theabutment face 649 and surrounding a tab 653. A ramp-engagement feature658 is formed on the cantilevered lips 657 adjacent the molded-in slot656 and centered across from the tab 653 between the arms 654. Theramp-engagement feature 658 has a sloped face facing the connection end683 that peaks at a ridge 658A. A latching face 659 is formed as avertical wall opposite the sloped face of the ramp-engagement feature658 and meets the sloped face to form the ridge 658A.

A male insert 685 in fluid connection with the hose barb 682 via aconduit 680 extends between the cantilevered lips 657 and beyond theirlength at the connection end 583 in order to interface with a femalereceptor 665 in the female portion 620.

FIGS. 53-56 detail the connection between the female portion 620 and themale portion 640 of the latch assembly 600 in order to create afluid-tight connection. When the male portion 640 is inserted into thecavity 650 of the female portion 620, the male insert 685 engages thefemale receptor 665 in the conduit 660 to create a fluid flow channelbetween the hose barb 662 on the female connector 620 and the hose barb682 on the male connector 640 via the conduits 660 and 680.

When the cantilevered lips 657 enter the cavity 650, they areprogressively depressed by the wall-forming catch portion 633 of theshell 625 of the female portion 620. As the cantilevered lips 657 arepushed within the cavity 650, the ramp-engagement features 658 interfacewith the abutment face 629 of the female portion 620 to further depressthe cantilevered lips 657 as the ramp-engagement feature 658 enters thecavity 650. When the ramp-engagement features reach the molded-in slots636 forming the front edges 654 of the release buttons 637, thecantilevered lips 657 are released from tension caused by the interfacebetween the catch portion 633, and the ramp-engagement feature 658.

The ramp-engagement feature 658 extends upward or downward,respectively, to fit within the molded-in slots 636. The front edges 654of the release buttons 637 may be notched or recessed slightly in orderto provide additional room to accommodate the ramp-engagement features658. As the ramp-engagement feature 658 lifts up into the molded-in slot636, the latching face 659 engages with a length of the raised rib 638opposite the front edge 644 of the release button 637 to provide abearing surface preventing the male portion 640 from sliding out of thecavity 650.

The distance required for insertion of the male portion 640 into thefemale portion 620 of the latch assembly 600 in order to engage alatching assembly 635 is selected to ensure a sufficient sealing forceit has created between the male insert 685 and the walls of the femalereceptor 665. The interface between the latching face 659 and the raisedrib 638 maintains the connection of the latching assembly 635 betweenthe male portion 640 and the female portion 620 in sufficient tension toensure that a sufficient sealing force is maintained between the maleinsert 685 and the female receptor 665.

In order to remove the male portion 640 from the female portion 620, auser may depress both release buttons 637 on the top and bottom of theconnection assembly 600 simultaneously. By depressing the releasebuttons 537, the front edges 644 of the release buttons 637 force thecantilevered lips 657 inward and thus push the ridges 658A below thebottom edges of the of the raised ribs 638. The latching faces 659 arethereby disengaged from the raised ribs 538 and the male portion 640 canbe removed from the female portion 620.

Detailed representations of implementations of the sealing interfacebetween the male insert and the female receptor within the latchassemblies disclosed herein are shown in FIGS. 65-67. A seal is createdbetween two connectors made of plastics materials placed undercompression by the tension of the latch assemblies. Exemplary plastics,such as Nylon and Polypropylene may be used. The typical physicalproperties of the plastic materials that contribute to the functionalityof this design are tensile strength, flex modulus, and modulus ofElasticity. Typical values of these properties are listed below for thematerial identified above.

Tensile Flex Hardness Material Strength (psi) Modulus (ksi) (Shore D)Nylon 1960-20000 8.99-624 55.0-84.0 Polypropylene 1740-5350 3.77-9947.0-83.0In one exemplary implementation, DuPont Nylon of 9,000-11,000 PSI isused to form the connection assembly. In another implementation,Huntsman Anilmal-Free Polypropylene of 3,000-5,000 PSI is used to formthe connection assembly.

In FIGS. 65 and 66, one embodiment of a sealing interface 700 depicts amale insert 785 positioned within a female receptor 765 to create afluid-tight seal between the female conduit 760 and the male conduit780.

This embodiment utilizes a relatively thin, plastic sheath 775 to formthe female receptor 765. The opening in the female receptor 765 isformed with a chamfered lead-in edge 770 for alignment. The pointcontact seal 790 achieved between the barb 786 on the male insert 785and the female receptor 765 minimizes surface contact and drag. The thinsheath 775 forming the female receptor 765 serves as a compliant memberconforming to maintain the seal 790 while minimizing the amount of forceto engage and disengage the seal 790. The point contact seal 790 isdesigned in as an interference and maintains the seal over a givenlength 792 of the sheath 775 to accommodate different latchingmechanisms.

As shown in FIG. 66, either of the barb 786 on the male insert 785 orthe thin sheath 775 area of the female receptor 765, or both may deflectslightly in the formation of the seal 790. The amount of relativedeflection between the barb 786 and the sheath 775 may depend upon avariety of factors including the hardness of the plastic material, thethickness of the barb or sheath wall, the hoop strength of the form, andother factors. Alternatively, there may be little or no deflection inboth the barb 786 and the sheath 775 depending upon such factors. Theinterface at the contact seal 790 between the barb 786 and the sheath785 as shown in FIG. 6 depicts both sheath deflection 766 and deflectionfrom the normal form of the barb 786.

An alternative embodiment of a sealing interface 800 is shown in FIG.67. In this embodiment, the thin sheath 875 of the female receptor 865is formed with a concave surface 868 in to further help lead-inalignment of the male insert 885 during engagement of the seal 890 andminimize the surface contact between the barb 886 and the thin sheath875 at the point of the contact seal 890. Again, the point contact seal890 is designed in as an interference and maintains the seal over agiven length 892 of the sheath 875 to accommodate different latchingmechanisms. In addition, the inner diameter of the sheath 875 may bematched precisely to the external front barbed geometry of the maleinsert 885. This creates a bearing surface 884 that provides forimproved side load support for the connection. For example, if theconnector assembly is subjected to forces of tension or pressure whileengaged, the axial pressure will primarily act on the line-to-linebearing surface 884 rather than the contact seal 890 to ensure that afluid-tight seal is maintained.

Those skilled in the art will understand and appreciate that severalmodifications and variations exist within the scope of the presentinvention. For example, the hollow cross sections described could bepartially solid while still accommodating a conduit and allowing for thedeflection of the release buttons and other cantilevered actions. Thecross section could, for example, actually form a conduit by providing agenerally solid cross-section while providing a conduit passing throughthe cross section. As an additional example of a variation within thescope of the invention, the embodiments shown include two opposingrelease buttons while this could be limited to one release button orseveral release buttons could be provided. The molded-in slot could becut out after molding or it could be a weakened area (e.g. thinnermaterial). Alternatively, the whole surface of the shell could beflexibly deflectable and the slot could be omitted. Additionally, ratherthan elastically flexible cantilevered release buttons, the buttonscould be hinged and spring loaded. Various shaped buttons could beprovided to accommodate ergonomics or function of the device and wouldnot have to match the contour of the shell. The release buttons havebeen described with four sides, but could be any shape and have varioussides where one or two or even several are connected and the others arenot to provide a cantilevered effect. As another example, the rampedengagement feature could be limited to a projection adapted to fit intoa recess on the inside of a shell and various shapes of the projectioncould be included and matched to a recess formed in the shell.

The advantages of the latch assembly as described above include itsability to be quickly and easily engaged and released. The releasebuttons and engagement features of the described device may allow forefficient splicing of conduits by advancing the male and female portionstoward one another and efficient release by pressing the release button.This is in contrast to threaded connections requiring alignment and timeconsuming twisting of the connections which often results in twisting ofthe conduits and tangling of the conduits. Another advantage of thelatch assembly described is the secure connection provided.

In light of the efficiency discussed above relating to the ease withwhich the assembly can be spliced, the secure connection providedremains consistent with that necessary to avoid unwanted failure of aconnection.

Another advantage of the latch assembly is the effectiveness of theconnection provided. Also in light of the efficiency discussed aboverelating to the ease of use of the assembly, the latching nature of thedevice also provides for an effective connection in that the conduitsare connected so as to minimize or eliminate unwanted leaks or escape ofmatter carried in the conduit.

In the foregoing description, embodiments of the present invention,including preferred embodiments, have been presented for the purpose ofillustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive orto limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. The embodimentswere chosen and described to provide the best illustrations of theprincipals of the invention and its practical application, and to enableone of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in variousembodiments and with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. The scope of the invention should bedetermined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance withthe breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A connector assembly for the connection ofconduits, the connector assembly comprising a first connector includinga first housing, a slot formed in the first housing and open to an innercavity defined by the first housing, and a release button formed in thefirst housing and defined at least partially by the slot; and a secondconnector including a second housing having a cantilevered region and aU-shaped slot formed in the cantilevered region, the U-shaped slot opento an inner cavity defined by the second housing, the cantileveredregion including an engagement feature located between a transverseportion of the U-shaped slot and a free end of the cantilevered region;wherein the engagement feature is adapted to engage the slot formed inthe first housing to connect the first and second connectors; and therelease button is adapted to disengage the engagement feature from theslot when depressed, thereby allowing disconnection of the first andsecond connectors.
 2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the cantileveredregion further includes a pair of arms at least partially defined by theU-shaped slot.
 3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the pair of armscomprises a fixed end of the cantilevered region.
 4. The assembly ofclaim 2, wherein the U-shaped slot surrounds a tab.
 5. The assembly ofclaim 4, wherein the tab is located between the pair of arms.
 6. Theassembly of claim 1, wherein the U-shaped slot includes an axial portionextending away from the transverse portion toward a fixed end of thecantilevered region.
 7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the engagementfeature is immediately adjacent to the transverse portion of theU-shaped slot and spaced apart from the free end of the cantileveredregion.
 8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the engagement feature issurrounded on three sides by the U-shaped slot.
 9. The assembly of claim1, wherein the u-shaped slot includes an axial portion extending awayfrom the transverse portion toward a free end of the cantileveredregion.
 10. A connector assembly for the connection of conduits, theconnector assembly comprising a first connector including a firsthousing and opposing cantilevered buttons formed within an outer wall ofthe first housing; and a second connector including a second housinghaving opposing cantilevered members separated from each other by a slitformed in opposing lateral sides of the second housing, each of thecantilevered members including a slot defined within the cantileveredmember and open to a space defined between the cantilevered members, theslot having a transverse portion, a first leg portion extending axiallyaway from the transverse portion, and a second leg portion extendingaxially away from the transverse portion, the second leg portiontransversely spaced from the first leg portion; and an engagementfeature located between the transverse portion of the slot and a freeend of the cantilevered member; wherein the engagement feature of eachcantilevered member is adapted to engage the first housing to connectthe first and second connectors; and each cantilevered button is adaptedto disengage the engagement feature of a corresponding cantileveredmember from the first housing when depressed, thereby allowingdisconnection of the first and second connectors.
 11. The assembly ofclaim 10, wherein each cantilevered member further includes a pair ofarms at least partially defined by the slot.
 12. The assembly of claim11, wherein the slot of each cantilevered member at least partiallydefines a tab surrounded on three sides by the slot.
 13. The assembly ofclaim 12, wherein the tab is located between the pair of arms.
 14. Theassembly of claim 12, wherein the tab has a fixed end and a free end;and the fixed end is located intermediate the free end of the tab andthe free end of the cantilevered member.
 15. The assembly of claim 14,wherein the engagement feature of each cantilevered member is located onthe tab near the free end of the tab.
 16. The assembly of claim 10,wherein the engagement feature of each cantilevered member includes asloped face facing a free end of the cantilevered member.
 17. Theassembly of claim 10, wherein the first and second leg portions of theslot of each cantilevered member extend away from the transverse portiontoward a fixed end of the cantilevered member.
 18. The assembly of claim17, wherein the engagement feature of each cantilevered member isimmediately adjacent to the transverse portion of the slot.
 19. Theassembly of claim 10, wherein the first and second leg portions of theslot of each cantilevered member extend away from the transverse portiontoward a free end of the cantilevered member.
 20. The assembly of claim19, wherein the engagement feature of each cantilevered member issurrounded on three sides by the slot.
 21. A connector assembly forcoupling together first and second fluid conduits, the assemblycomprising a first connector including a distal end for coupling withthe first fluid conduit, a proximal end opposite the distal end, a fluidpathway between the distal and proximal ends, and a first housingextending about at least a portion of the fluid pathway and defining arelease button; and a second connector including a distal end forcoupling with the second fluid conduit, a proximal end opposite thedistal end, a fluid pathway between the distal and proximate ends, and asecond housing extending about at least a portion of the fluid pathwayto define an inner cavity, wherein the second housing includes acantilevered region having a free end located proximally of a fixed end;the cantilevered region has a pair of arms and an engagement feature;the pair of arms is defined at least partially by a slot within thecantilevered region that is open to the inner cavity; and the engagementfeature is located between at least a portion of the slot and the freeend of the cantilevered region.
 22. The assembly of claim 21, whereinthe engagement feature is laterally centered on the cantilevered region.23. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the cantilevered region furthercomprises a tab located between the pair of arms.
 24. The assembly ofclaim 23, wherein the slot separates the tab from the pair of arms andthe engagement feature.
 25. The assembly of claim 23, wherein theengagement feature is located on the tab.
 26. The assembly of claim 21,wherein the engagement feature is surrounded on three sides by the slot.27. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the release button has adepressible end that is separated from the proximal end of the firstconnector by a slot formed between a catch portion of the first housingand the release button.
 28. The assembly of claim 27, wherein, when thefirst and second connectors are connected together, the pair of arms ofthe cantilevered region is located at least partially underneath thecatch portion of the first housing.
 29. The assembly of claim 27,wherein, when the first and second connectors are connected together,the engagement feature of the cantilevered region engages the catchportion of the first housing to connect the first and second connectors.30. The assembly of claim 29, wherein, when the first and secondconnectors are connected together, the free end of the cantileveredregion extends underneath the release button.
 31. The assembly of claim30, wherein, when the first and second connectors are connectedtogether, pressing inward on the release button causes the button todisplace the cantilevered region inward, thereby causing the engagementfeature to disengage the catch portion of the first housing.
 32. Theassembly of claim 31, wherein the engagement feature includes a rampedportion so that when the release button is pressed inward, the buttoncontacts the ramped portion, resulting in an axial force that biases thefirst and second connectors axially away from each other.
 33. Theassembly of claim 31, wherein, when the first and second connectors areconnected together, the fluid pathways of the first and secondconnectors are in fluid communication with each other in a male-femalemating arrangement.
 34. The assembly of claim 33, wherein the fluidpathway of the first connector has a male mating configuration and thefluid pathway of the second connector has a female mating configuration.35. The assembly of claim 34, wherein the fluid pathway of the firstconnector is interference fit within the fluid pathway of the secondconnector so that at least one of the fluid pathways deflects to form afluid-tight seal.
 36. A connector assembly for coupling together firstand second fluid conduits, the assembly comprising a first connectorincluding a distal end for coupling with the first fluid conduit, aproximal end opposite the distal end, a first conduit forming a firstfluid pathway between the distal and proximal ends, and a first shellextending about at least a portion of the first fluid pathway, the firstconduit having a male mating configuration; and a second connectorincluding a distal end for coupling with the second fluid conduit, aproximal end opposite the distal end, a second conduit forming a secondfluid pathway between the distal and proximate ends, and a second shellextending about at least a portion of the second fluid pathway, thesecond conduit having a female mating configuration; wherein, when thefirst and second connectors are connected together, the first and secondconduits are in fluid communication with each other in a male-femalemating arrangement; and the first and second conduits are interferencefit together so that at least one of the first and second conduitsdeflects to form a fluid-tight point contact seal; wherein the firstconduit defines a barb on an outer surface thereof; the second conduitforms a sheath to receive the first conduit; the barb and the sheathform the point contact seal; and the sheath includes a concave surfaceadapted to minimize surface contact between the barb and the sheath atthe point contact seal.
 37. The assembly of claim 36, wherein the firstconduit is formed of a first material, the second conduit is formed of asecond material, and the first material differs from the second materialwith respect to one or more of the following properties: tensilestrength, modulus, or hardness.
 38. The assembly of claim 36, whereinthe sheath has an inner diameter that matches an external geometry ofthe first fluid pathway forward of the barb to create a bearing surfaceforward of the point contact seal.